Iran to begin operation of first nuclear power plant

Switching on the Bushehr plant could dismay some in the United States, Israel and Europe who are deeply suspicious of Iran’s intentions. Moscow says the plant poses no proliferation risk as Iran will return all spent fuel rods to Russia. The long-delayed preliminary phase of operations for Iran’s first nuclear power plant will begin on Wednesday, the state atomic energy agency said Sunday. A nuclear official in Russia, which is helping build the plant, however, said no major milestone is expected on Wednesday.